Golf pro's tournament hopes dashed after shooting a brutal 17 on second hole

Golf is a cruel game that can take one's hopes and dreams and throw them through a grinder with zero remorse.

Ben DeArmond, the head pro at the TPC at Treviso Bay, can certainly relate.

DeArmond participated in Thursday's Web.com Tour event, the Lecom Suncoast Classic, on a sponsor's exemption at Lakewood National Golf Club, and his chances at a successful showing were crushed before they really ever had a chance to get going.

First, let's think of the positives. The folks at the South Florida PGA were incredibly proud of DeArmond. The SPGA took to Twitter and wished DeArmond luck along with a link to follow his progress.

Then, life happened.

DeArmond bogeyed the first hole, which wasn't ideal. But the wheels fell off at the 491-yard, par-4 second. DeArmond shot a 17 (!!!).

The hole in itself seemed incredibly difficult: A 491-yard par 4 with water and woods on opposite sides.

It was a struggle as DeArmond hit six shots out of play.

At least he only needed one putt from the green. You have to look at the bright side.

“I’ve learned nerves are a real thing,” DeArmond said. “I had a great range session, felt good going in, and it was just an out-of-body experience on that hole.”

Despite the struggle, DeArmond seemed to be in good spirits.

“If you learn anything from me today, it’s don’t withdraw, don’t give up, have fun with it,” DeArmond said. “It’s a game. Everybody has a bad day, a bad hole – even the worst hole of your life. So you have to move on.”

DeArmond seemed to heed his own advice well, finishing with 10 pars and a bogey on his final 11 holes.

"We got through it, had a good back nine. So I’ll be back tomorrow,” DeArmond said.